Did you know that, according to various surveys, more than 80% of Americans trust small businesses and think it is important to support them? higher than all American institutions.
Americans understand that small businesses contribute to the vitality of local communities, support local nonprofits, employ more than half the workforce, and are important economic engines both locally and nationally. I’m doing it. Additionally, approximately 80% of small businesses say the end of the year is important to their bottom line.
These are just a few of the reasons we encourage those who love their community to actively participate in Small Business Saturday and Small Business Season. In addition to all the sparkle this season brings, it’s also a time for many small businesses to shine.
The Saturday after Thanksgiving and the entire holiday season is a great time to stop by unique retailers, delicious restaurants, and businesses offering memorable experiences.
Small Business Saturday was started by American Express in 2010 and the U.S. Small Business Administration joined as a co-sponsor in 2011. Since then, Small Business Saturday has grown exponentially in popularity. In fact, Small Business Saturday in 2023 was the second most popular shopping day after Black Friday, according to the National Retail Foundation. To further strengthen this holiday tradition, the SBA launched Small Business Season last year to encourage local spending throughout this festive season.
No matter where you live, small businesses are looking to serve your needs this holiday season. Here are some ideas for celebrating Small Business Saturday and Small Business Season.
· Enjoy supporting small businesses all day long. Spend your day inviting friends over for a hot drink and snack, shopping for small businesses, trying a new eatery for lunch, or visiting an interactive craft store for activities. Enjoy a relaxing dinner at the end. Favorite local restaurant.
· Participate in city activities such as tree lighting, community theater shows, and choir performances, and visit local restaurants before or after. This is also a great way to connect with other people who love your community.
· Take photos while shopping, dining, and experiencing small businesses. Check in to the store, post on social media, and tag the store. Please let others know about your memorable experience. Get even more exposure using hashtags: #ShopSmall, #ShopSmallSaturday, #SeasonofSmallBiz
· Set aside a portion of your vacation budget specifically for small business products and services. In fact, you can do this with your annual budget as well.
If you own a small business, you may want to consider adding marketing and outreach ideas to your plan.
· Visit the SBA’s Small Business Saturday site.
· Call out Small Business Saturday and Small Business Season in your social media posts and comments using the following hashtags:
#ShoppingSmall #SmallBizSaturday #ShoppingLocal #IShoppedSmall #GiftsBigShopLocal
· Follow SBA’s Pacific Northwest Region LinkedIn and X accounts for links to additional tips, marketing materials, and the latest updates about Small Business Saturday and Small Business Season.
Anyone can easily make a positive impact in their community and have a good time by shopping at local stores throughout Small Business Saturday and Small Business Season. We’re sure you’ll love it!
To learn more about how SBA can help small businesses start, grow, expand and recover, visit www.sba.gov. For Para Español, visit www.sba.gov/es.
Bet Yass was appointed by President Joe Biden to oversee SBA programs and services as regional administrator for the Pacific Northwest, serving Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington.
